William Eichler 28 October 2016

Online community action toolkit launched

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched an online toolkit to help councils involve their residents in the design and delivery of services.

The toolkit includes tips on effective working and what questions both councillors and officers need to ask as initiatives are developed and case studies to show where community action is working well already.

It also has a new tool to help councils pinpoint the financial value of community engagement in addition to the wider social benefits.

‘Councils are keenly aware of the importance of community action to deliver the best services for residents' needs,’ said Cllr William Nunn, chair of the LGA's improvement and innovation board.

‘However, with the increasing need for savings, along with less staff in back office functions where councils have fought to protect the services that impact most directly on residents, it can sometimes be hard to justify spending or extra staff time on intensive engagement, or on projects that don't have a clear immediate payback.

‘However, that initial outlay of time and money can reap significant rewards further down the line, whether that's through reducing demand for services, making better and more efficient use of assets, or helping communities to be more self-sufficient and resilient.

‘This toolkit will help councils to find the best ways to meaningfully engage their residents, for the benefit of communities and the local area.’

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner